Travel to Wilmington

If you are looking for a sun-soaked destination that is steeped in history and enjoys a laid-back lifestyle, then make your reservations on one of the many flights to Wilmington. The city is situated in North Carolina's premier beach region, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Cape Fear River on the west. To get started on your vacation, visit Orbitz.com, where you'll find discount air fares and some of the lowest rates available on hotel rooms and rental cars.

Arriving in Wilmington

Wilmington International Airport, known as ILM, is located just 5 miles southwest of downtown Wilmington, with easy access via South 3rd Street and NC-133. The airport is serviced by three domestic airlines: Delta, Allegiant and US Airways. Once you land at the airport, you'll find it is easy to get to the city. There are several taxi services that offer ground transportation, and you can find them right outside of the baggage claim area. Expect the fare to run between $15 and $20 to get to the downtown area. There are several private car and limousine services that require advance reservations. If you prefer to rent a car for the duration of your stay, you'll find Thrifty/Dollar, National/Alamo, Enterprise and Avis/Budget car rentals located on-site.

Wilmington Highlights and Attractions

Wilmington's winters are mild, although it is not uncommon to find temperatures dipping as low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Summers are hot, with days often reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. July, August and September are the rainiest months of the year, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella if you plan to travel during those months. Once you're situated in Wilmington, spend some time touring the historic river district and Riverwalk, both located in the heart of the downtown area. Explore all of the beaches, including the ones located on the small islands that dot the river. If you're traveling with children, be sure to set some time aside for Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park and the Children's Museum of Wilmington. History buffs may prefer to spend time visiting the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, the Latimer House Museum or the Poplar Grove Historic Plantation.

Fun and Sun in the South

Wilmington is well suited for travelers who want a fun-filled beach vacation without the crowds found in places like Miami or Myrtle Beach. Unlike many other beach areas, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy if the weather doesn't cooperate. To find the best deals on flights to Wilmington, be sure to visit Orbitz.com, where you can purchase your air tickets, reserve your hotel room and rent a car quickly and easily.

Wilmington When to Go

Wilmington’s proximity to Wrightsville, Kure, and Carolina beaches makes the river city a popular destination for all walks of life during the summer, so don’t be surprised to find a mix of history buffs, party seekers, and families milling around the city. Temperatures typically top out in the mid 80s, accompanied by the standard Southern humidity. Downtown Sundown is a Friday night concert series in Riverfront Park that attracts a lively crowd, and most beach communities nearby offer similar events throughout peak season (Carolina Beach, for instance, offers fireworks and live music on Thursdays).

Fall is festival season, and Riverfest is the biggest of them all, attracting 250,000 people every October. Check out the Great Waiter Wine Race, where the city’s best servers navigate an obstacle course while toting a tray of wine. The Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues, and Jazz Festival, in October, along the Cape Fear River in Kure Beach, is more low-key. Encore Restaurant Week, also in October, gives local chefs a chance to showcase their skills, with special menus at participating restaurants. And the Lighthouse International Beer Festival pulls 90 breweries together for a day of sampling.

Come December, popular candlelight tours of Wilmington’s historic district kick into high gear. Winter temps average in the 40s, so bring your mittens.

If you can manage it, spring is an ideal time to visit, with fewer crowds and mild temperatures that hover in the 70s.

Fare, taxes & fees: Fares include all taxes and fees, except baggage fees. Rates shown reflect fares found by other Orbitz users over the past 7 days. Due to rapidly changing airline prices & seat availability, these fares may no longer be available.

Refunds/changes/cancellations: Itinerary changes, if permitted for the fare, will have a $30 service fee charged by Orbitz. Additional airline charges may apply.

Other conditions: Schedules, fares and rules are subject to change without notice. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates or in all markets. Lower fares may be available. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly/partially unused ticket. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Fare rules are provided for the selected itinerary before booking.

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